Colombia has a rich history, diverse culture, and significant natural resources. In recent years, the government has made significant strides to ensure peace with revolutionaries, reduce crime, and protect its democratic institutions. The country also boasts a growing economy. These are 11 fascinating facts about Colombia.
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Facts About Colombia
- Colombia is second in biodiversity, behind only Brazil, which is 10x its size and one of 17 “megadiverse.” The country has the most species per area in the world, with more bird species than any other part of North America and Europe combined.
- Colombia’s official name is the Republic of Colombia. It is derived from Christopher Columbus’ last name. It is pronounced Colombia and not Col-u-mbia. This is a common error made by non-Spanish-speaking visitors.
- Colombia is the only country in South America with coastlines that span both the Pacific Ocean as well as the Caribbean Sea.
- The indigenous tribes Muisca and Quimbaya inhabited the area now known as Colombia. The Spanish colonized the area in 1499 and called it New Granada.
- Colombia boasts a vibrant music scene. Juanes and Shakira are two of the most well-known Colombian musicians.
- Tejo is the Colombian national sport. It involves throwing objects at targets. Soccer is the most popular sport in Colombia. The Colombian national team won Copa America (South American Championship) in 2001.
- Radio and public television stations in Colombia must play the Colombian national anthem at 6 am and 6 pm every day.
- Colombia is home to the Cano Cristales, also known as the “River of Five Colors” (or the “Liquid Rainbow”), which can be found in the Serrania de la Macarena region of Meta. The river’s bed changes colors from yellow to green, black, red, and even purple, starting at the end of July through the middle of November.
- Colombians value age. The more powerful a person’s voice, the older they are. The country holds elders in high regard.
- In Colombia, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, 13,000m high, is the highest coastal mountain range. It has also moved over a thousand miles in the past 170 million years.
- Colombia is the largest source of emeralds in the world. After Brazil and Vietnam, it is also the third-largest exporter of coffee worldwide.
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Colombia Key Facts
These interesting facts about Colombia will help you quickly learn everything.
1. Officially, the country is called the Republic of Colombia.
2. Bogota is Colombia’s capital and largest city.
3. It is located in South America and is home to more than 50 million people.
4. Columbia is home to a wide range of landscapes, including the Amazon rainforest, mountains, deserts, and grasslands.
5. Urban areas account for 77.1% of Colombia.
6. Over 99% of Colombians speak Spanish.
7. Colombia has a large ethnic diversity. There are many people from Colombia, including Spanish colonists, native Colombians, Spanish colonists, slaves from Africa, and immigrants from Europe and the Middle East in the 20th century.
8. Colombia is home to some of the finest coffees in the world. It is well-known for its flavor and quality.
9. Three horizontal stripes of color are featured on the Colombian national flag. The yellow top half of the flag is divided into two horizontal stripes: one blue, one red. The flag represents Colombia’s independence from Spain.
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Colombia Geography Facts
These amazing facts about Colombia’s geography range from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon rainforest.
10. Colombia is a transcontinental nation, which means it spans more continents than one. It is located mainly in the North of South America but also has territories in North America.
11. Colombia boasts 1,000 miles of coastline to the North, which the Caribbean Sea binds.
12. The Pacific Ocean bounded Colombia’s 800-mile coast with its Pacific Ocean border from the west.
13. Colombia borders five countries: Panama, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil in the North-West.
14. Colombia is the only country in South America with coasts and islands that run along the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
15. Bogota, Colombia’s capital city, is home to more than 7 million people.
16. Colombia is third in Latin America’s most populous country, after Mexico and Brazil.
17. Colombia’s geography includes six major natural areas that each possess their own characteristics.
18. Ecuador and Venezuela border Colombia by the Andes mountain range.
19. The Cordillera Central is one of Colombia’s most prominent Andean mountain ranges.
20. Colombia’s lowlands include the Amazon rainforest and Llanos Savanna. However, they make up more than half of Colombia’s total territory.
21. Colombia’s climate can be described as tropical and isothermal due to its proximity to the Equator.
22. Colombia has five climate zones that are suitable for different regions of the country: steppes, tropical rainforests, deserts, mountain climates, and savannas.
23. Colombia’s mountain climate can be sub-divided into five additional categories: Tierra Caliente, Tierra template, Tierra fria, and Tierra helada.
24. The Magdalena is Colombia’s most important river system. It covers almost a quarter of Colombia’s entire surface.
25. Bogota is located at 8,675 feet above sea level. This makes it one of South America’s highest cities.
26. Cano Cristales is a well-known river in the Serrania de la Macarena region of Meta. Because of the vivid and striking colors created by the river’s endemic plants between July and November, it is often called the “River of Five Colors” (or the “Liquid Rainbow”)
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Colombia Biodiversity Facts
These amazing South American animals and plants can be found in Colombia. Learn more about Colombia with these interesting facts.
27. Colombia is one of 17 megadiverse nations (nations that harbor the largest number of species on Earth and the highest numbers of endemic species).
28. Columbia is home to the second-highest level of biodiversity in the entire world, while Brazil has the top spot.
29. Colombia is the first country to have over 1,900 bird species, more than Europe or North America combined.
30. Colombia is home to between 40,000-45,000 plant species, corresponding to 10-20% of the total world species.
31. Colombia is home to approximately 10% of all the species on Earth.
32. Colombia is second in freshwater fish diversity.
33. Colombia is home to the largest number of endemic (or native) species of butterflies globally.
Colombia Economy and Politics Facts
These facts are important to know about Colombia’s economy and government.
34. Colombia is the sole NATO Global Partner in Latin America.
35. Colombia’s economy ranks third in South America.
36. Colombia is part of the CIVETS group, including South Africa, Vietnam, Egypt, and Turkey.
37. Colombia’s government can be divided into three parts: the executive, headed up by the President; the legislative, headed up by Congress; and the judicial, led by four high-ranking courts.
38. Colombia was one of the founding members of the Pacific Alliance. This alliance promotes the free movement of goods and services among its members.
39. Colombia’s economy is based on agriculture, especially coffee and fruit.
Colombia History Facts
These interesting facts about Colombia will help you learn more about the country’s fascinating and long history.
40. Named after Christopher Columbus, an Italian navigator, and explorer who helped colonize the Americas and create the modern Western world, “Colombia” was derived.
41. Modern-day Colombia covers a large area that was once home to various indigenous tribes, including the Muisca, Quimbaya, and Tairona.
42. The Spanish colonized the area in 1499 and named it New Granada.
43. Colombia’s economy during colonial times was based on the gold mining industry.
44. On 20 July 1810, Colombia was granted independence from Spain.
Colombia Culture Facts
These interesting facts about Colombian culture will be a great pleasure.
45. Tejo is the Colombian national sport. It involves firing objects at a target containing gunpowder, which explodes on impact.
46. Soccer is Colombia’s most popular sport, with the national team currently ranked number 10 in FIFA World Ranking.
47. Colombia is home to more than 180 languages and dialects that are indigenous to the country, including those belonging in linguistic groups like Yurumangui, Chibchan, and Cariban.
48. Most Colombians are Roman Catholic because of their Spanish colonial heritage, but the constitution guarantees religious freedom.
49. The Festival of Blacks and Whites, also known as the Carnaval de Negros y Blancos (or Festival of Blacks and Whites), is a significant event in Southern Colombia and has been given UNESCO status.
50. Rio Sucio hosts the Carnaval del Diablo (or Festival of the Devil) every odd-numbered year. It is a mixture of indigenous pagan and Catholic beliefs. It features feasts and costumes, music, and poetry to keep away evil spirits.
51. Easter is the largest festival in Catholic Colombia. Papaya is widely considered the religious center of the country. A parade in which people carry large wooden platforms illustrating scenes from the Bible through the streets is known as Popaya. It is often regarded as one of the best in South America.
